Keep a sense of purpose
Welcome to Keep a sense of purpose. This section is about staying motivated and finding the things which give you purpose so you can feel fulfilled. Here is Chris, who lives with dementia, and Dr Rachel Collins, a researcher at the University of Exeter, to introduce this section:
Chris – living with dementia
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Dr Rachel Collins – researcher at the University of Exeter
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I got a camera before lockdown, so now I take it everywhere with me and it gives me a new purpose every day to go out. I started discovering bits of the village that I didn’t know existed, such as paths and country fields.
A person with dementia speaking to our researchers about remaining purposeful during the COVID-19 pandemic
Top Tips for Keeping a sense of purpose
- Work out what matters to you, not to other people.
- Make a plan for the next day every evening, so it’s ready for when you wake up.
- Make a list of things to do and tick each one off when you finish it. Include activities to look forward to as well as tasks you need to get done.
- Think about what you enjoyed doing which you no longer do – can you take that activity back up?
- Remember that nothing is too small to have a purpose behind it.
Keep a sense of purpose resources:
How can I find my purpose?
This chart will help you to think about what might unlock your personal sense of purpose. Real-life examples will encourage you to think broadly.
Setting yourself goals
Here we introduce our sister project, GREAT, and the ‘My Life, My Goals’ resource which helps you to work towards achieving personal goals.
The importance of having things to look forward to
How can you make sure you’re always looking forward to something? This page offers ideas for how to focus on the future, rather than the past.
What if I live alone?
This resource is specifically about keeping a sense of purpose when you live alone. It includes interviews and top tips.
Things to do from home
This is a collection of online activities, so that you can have a sense of purpose at home as well as when you’re out and about.
u3a: Lifelong learning
Let Keith introduce you to the university of the third age. A love of learning lasts a lifetime: this resource will help you connect to new learning opportunities.
Hobbies and Dementia Craftivism
Here we discuss the importance – and range! – of hobbies you might want to be involved in, and introduce you to Dementia Craftivism.
The power of music
Music is so important to so many people affected by dementia. On this page meet Paul and Tommy of Thred CIC and hear a song composed especially for our research!
Volunteering opportunities
Volunteering is a great way to feel purposeful and there are lots of options available. We have collected some here.
Sporting memories
Love sport? This page introduces the Sporting Memories Foundation and how you could get involved.